When to see your GP

You should see your GP if:

• you have persistent back pain or stiffness
• you have persistent pain in your thighs or buttocks
• your back curves outwards excessively

Your GP may examine your back, although there aren't usually any visible signs ofspondylolisthesis.

Your GP may ask you to do a straight leg raise test, where you lie on your back while your GP holds your foot and lifts your leg up, keeping your knee straight. This is often painful if you have spondylolisthesis.

Spondylolisthesis can easily be confirmed by taking an X-ray of your spine from the side while you're standing. This will show whether a vertebra has slipped out of position or if you have a fracture.

If you have pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in your legs, you may need additional imaging tests, such as a computerised tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan . These more detailed scans will be able to help determine whether you have a compressed nerve in your back.